Polymers with antimicrobial functionalities

ABSTRACT

Techniques regarding polymers with antimicrobial functionality are provided. For example, one or more embodiments described herein can regard a polymer, which can comprise a repeating ionene unit. The repeating ionene unit can comprise a cation distributed along a degradable backbone. The degradable backbone can comprise a terephthalamide structure. Further, the repeating ionene unit can have antimicrobial functionality.

BACKGROUND

The subject disclosure relates to one or more polymers withantimicrobial functionalities, and more specifically, to one or morepolyionenes comprising cations and/or hydrophobic functional groupsdistributed along a degradable backbone.

SUMMARY

The following presents a summary to provide a basic understanding of oneor more embodiments of the invention. This summary is not intended toidentify key or critical elements, or delineate any scope of theparticular embodiments or any scope of the claims. Its sole purpose isto present concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the moredetailed description that is presented later. In one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, methods and/or compositions regarding polyionenes withantimicrobial functionality are described.

According to an embodiment, a polymer is provided. The polymer cancomprise a repeating ionene unit. The repeating ionene unit can comprisea cation distributed along a degradable backbone. The degradablebackbone can comprise a terephthalamide structure. Further, therepeating ionene unit can have antimicrobial functionality.

According to an embodiment, a method is provided. The method cancomprise dissolving a plurality of amine monomers with an electrophilein a solvent. The plurality of amine monomers can comprise a degradablebackbone, which can comprise a terephthalamide structure. The method canalso comprise polymerizing the plurality of amine monomers and theelectrophile to form a repeating ionene unit. The repeating ionene unitcan comprise a cation located along the degradable backbone. Also, therepeating ionene unit can have antimicrobial functionality.

According to an embodiment, a polyionene composition is provided. Thepolyionene composition can comprise a repeating ionene unit. Therepeating ionene unit can comprise a degradable molecular backbone,which can comprise a terephthalamide structure. The repeating ioneneunit can also comprise a cation covalently bonded to the degradablemolecular backbone. Further, the repeating ionene unit can haveantimicrobial functionality.

According to an embodiment, a method is provided. The method cancomprise dissolving a plurality of degradable amine monomers with anelectrophile in a solvent. The method can also comprise polymerizing theplurality of degradable amine monomers and the electrophile to form aprecipitate. The precipitate can comprise a repeating ionene unit, whichcan comprise a cation distributed along a degradable molecular backbone.The degradable molecular backbone can comprise a terephthalamidestructure. Also, the repeating ionene unit can have antimicrobialfunctionality.

According to an embodiment, a method is provided. The method cancomprise contacting a pathogen with a polymer. The polymer can comprisea repeating ionene unit, which can comprise a cation distributed along adegradable backbone. The degradable backbone can comprise aterephthalamide structure. Also, the repeating ionene unit can haveantimicrobial functionality.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a diagram of an example, non-limiting ionene unit inaccordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 1B illustrates a diagram of an example, non-limiting lysis processthat can be performed by one or more ionene units in accordance with oneor more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram of an example, non-limiting chemicalformula that can characterize one or more repeating ionene units inaccordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting methodthat can facilitate polymerization of one or more repeating ionene unitsin accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 4 illustrates another flow diagram of an example, non-limitingmethod that can facilitate polymerization of one or more repeatingionene units in accordance with one or more embodiments describedherein.

FIG. 5 illustrates a diagram of an example, non-limiting scheme that candepict a plurality of polyionene compositions in accordance with one ormore embodiments described herein.

FIG. 6 illustrates another diagram of an example, non-limiting schemethat can depict a plurality of polyionene compositions in accordancewith one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 7 illustrates another diagram of an example, non-limiting schemethat can depict a plurality of polyionene compositions in accordancewith one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 8 illustrates a diagram of an example, non-limiting chart that candepict the antimicrobial functionality of one or more polyionenecompositions in accordance with one or more embodiments describedherein.

FIG. 9 illustrates a diagram of an example, non-limiting graph that candepict the hemolytic activity of one or more polyionene compositions inaccordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 10 illustrates another flow diagram of an example, non-limitingmethod regarding one or more repeating ionene units in accordance withone or more embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is merely illustrative and is notintended to limit embodiments and/or application or uses of embodiments.Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed orimplied information presented in the preceding Background or Summarysections, or in the Detailed Description section.

One or more embodiments are now described with reference to thedrawings, wherein like referenced numerals are used to refer to likeelements throughout. In the following description, for purposes ofexplanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to providea more thorough understanding of the one or more embodiments. It isevident, however, in various cases, that the one or more embodiments canbe practiced without these specific details.

The discovery and refinement of antibiotics was one of the crowningachievements in the 20^(th) century that revolutionized healthcaretreatment. For example, antibiotics such as penicillin, ciprofloxacinand, doxycycline can achieve microbial selectivity through targeting anddisruption of a specific prokaryotic metabolism, while concurrently,remaining benign toward eukaryotic cells to afford high selectivity. Ifproperly dosed, they could eradicate infection. Unfortunately, thistherapeutic specificity of antibiotics also leads to their undoing asunder-dosing (incomplete kill) allows for minor mutative changes thatmitigate the effect of the antibiotic leading to resistance development.Consequently, nosocomial infections, caused by medication-resistantmicrobes such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA),multi-medication-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa andvancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) have become more prevalent. Anadded complexity is the pervasive use of antimicrobial agents inself-care products, sanitizers and hospital cleaners etc, includinganilide, bis-phenols, biguanides and quaternary ammonium compounds,where a major concern is the development of cross- and co-resistancewith clinically used antibiotics, especially in a hospital setting.Another unfortunate feature with triclosan, for example, is itscumulative and persistent effects in the skin. Moreover, biofilms havebeen associated with numerous nosocomial infections and implant failure,yet the eradication of biofilms is an unmet challenge to this date.Since antibiotics are not able to penetrate through extracellularpolymeric substance that encapsulates bacteria in the biofilm, furthercomplexities exist that lead to the development of medicationresistance.

However, polymers having a cationic charge can provide electrostaticdisruption of the bacterial membrane interaction. Furthermore, cationicpolymers are readily made amphiphilic with addition of hydrophobicregions permitting both membrane association and integration/lysis. Theamphiphilic balance has shown to play an important effect not only inthe antimicrobial properties but also in the hemolytic activity. Many ofthese antimicrobial polymers show relatively low selectivity as definedby the relative toxicity to mammalian cells or hemolysis relative topathogens.

As used herein, the term “ionene” can refer to a polymer unit, acopolymer unit, and/or a monomer unit that can comprise a nitrogencation and/or a phosphorus cation distributed along, and/or locatedwithin, a molecular backbone, thereby providing a positive charge.Example nitrogen cations include, but are not limited to: quaternaryammonium cations, protonated secondary amine cations, protonatedtertiary amine cations, and/or imidazolium cations. Example, phosphoruscations include, but are not limited to: quaternary phosphonium cations,protonated secondary phosphine cations, and protonated tertiaryphosphine cations. As used herein, the term “molecular backbone” canrefer to a central chain of covalently bonded atoms that form theprimary structure of a molecule. In various embodiments describedherein, side chains can be formed by bonding one or more functionalgroups to a molecular backbone. As used herein, the term “polyionene”can refer to a polymer that can comprise a plurality of ionenes. Forexample, a polyionene can comprise a repeating ionene.

FIG. 1A illustrates a diagram of an example, non-limiting ionene unit100 in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. Theionene unit 100 can comprise a molecular backbone 102, one or morecations 104, and/or one or more hydrophobic functional groups 106. Invarious embodiments, an ionene and/or a polyionene described herein cancomprise the ionene unit 100. For example, a polyionene described hereincan comprise a plurality of ionenes bonded together, wherein the bondedionenes can have a composition exemplified by ionene unit 100.

The molecular backbone 102 can comprise a plurality of covalently bondedatoms (illustrated as circles in FIGS. 1A and 1B). The atoms can bebonded in any desirable formation, including, but not limited to: chainformations, ring formations, and/or a combination thereof. The molecularbackbone 102 can comprise one or more chemical structures including, butnot limited to: alkyl structures, aryl structures, alkane structures,aldehyde structures, ester structures, carboxyl structures, carbonylstructures, amine structures, amide structures, phosphide structures,phosphine structures, a combination thereof, and/or the like. One ofordinary skill in the art will recognize that the number of atoms thatcan comprise the molecular backbone can vary depending of the desiredfunction of the ionene unit 100. For example, while nineteen atoms areillustrated in FIG. 1A, a molecular backbone 102 that can comprisedozens, hundreds, and/or thousands of atoms is also envisaged.

Located within the molecular backbone 102 are one or more cations 104.As described above, the one or more cations 104 can comprise nitrogencations and/or phosphorous cations. The cations 104 can be distributedalong the molecular backbone 102, covalently bonded to other atomswithin the molecular backbone 102. In various embodiments, the one ormore cations 104 can comprise at least a portion of the molecularbackbone 102. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that thenumber of a cations 104 that can comprise the ionene unit 100 can varydepending of the desired function of the ionene unit 100. For example,while two cations 104 are illustrated in FIG. 1A, an ionene unit 100that can comprise dozens, hundreds, and/or thousands of cations 104 isalso envisaged. Further, while FIG. 1A illustrates a plurality ofcations 104 evenly spaced apart, other configurations wherein thecations 104 are not evenly spaced apart are also envisaged. Also, theone or more cations 104 can be located at respective ends of themolecular backbone 102 and/or at intermediate portions of the molecularbackbone 102, between two or more ends of the molecular backbone 102.The one or more cations 104 can provide a positive charge to one or morelocations of the ionene unit 100.

The one or more hydrophobic functional groups 106 can be bonded to themolecular backbone 102 to form a side chain. The one or more of thehydrophobic functional groups 106 can be attached to the molecularbackbone 102 via bonding with a cation 104. Additionally, one or morehydrophobic functional groups 106 can be bonded to an electricallyneutral atom of the molecular backbone 102. The ionene unit 100 cancomprise one or more hydrophobic functional groups 106 bonded to: one ormore ends of the molecular backbone 102, all ends of the molecularbackbone 102, an intermediate portion (e.g., a portion between two ends)of the molecular backbone 102, and/or a combination thereof.

While a biphenyl group is illustrated in FIG. 1A as the hydrophobicfunctional group 106, other functional groups that are hydrophobic arealso envisaged. Example, hydrophobic functional groups 106 can include,but are not limited to: alkyl structures, aryl structures, alkanestructures, aldehyde structures, ester structures, carboxyl structures,carbonyl structures, carbonate structures, alcohol structures, acombination thereof, and/or the like. In various embodiments, the one ormore hydrophobic functional groups 106 can comprise the same structure.In other embodiments, one or more of the hydrophobic functional groups106 can comprise a first structure and one or more other hydrophobicfunctional groups 106 can comprise another structure.

FIG. 1B illustrates a diagram of an example, non-limiting lysis process108 that can be facilitated by the ionene unit 100 in accordance withone or more embodiments described herein. Repetitive description of likeelements employed in other embodiments described herein is omitted forsake of brevity. The lysis process 108 can comprise a plurality ofstages, which can collectively comprise an attack mechanism that can beperformed by the ionene unit 100 against a pathogen cell. Examplepathogen cells can include, but are not limited to: Gram-positivebacteria cells, Gram-negative bacteria cells, fungi cells, and/or yeastcells.

The target pathogen cell can comprise a membrane having a phospholipidbilayer 110. In various embodiments, the membrane can be anextracellular matrix. The phospholipid bilayer 110 can comprise aplurality of membrane molecules 112 covalently bonded together, and themembrane molecules 112 can comprise a hydrophilic head 114 and one ormore hydrophobic tails 116. Further, one or more of the plurality ofmembrane molecules 112 can be negatively charged (as illustrated in FIG.1B with a “−” symbol).

At 118, electrostatic interaction can occur between the positivelycharged cations 104 of the ionene unit 100 and one or more negativelycharged membrane molecules 112. For example, the negative charge of oneor more membrane molecules 112 can attract the ionene unit 100 towardsthe membrane (e.g., the phospholipid bilayer 110). Also, theelectrostatic interaction can electrostatically disrupt the integrity ofthe membrane (e.g., phospholipid bilayer 110). Once the ionene unit 100has been attracted to the membrane (e.g., phospholipid bilayer 110),hydrophobic membrane integration can occur at 120. For example, at 120one or more hydrophobic functional groups 106 of the ionene unit 100 canbegin to integrate themselves into the phospholipid bilayer 110. Whilethe positively charged portions of the ionene unit 100 are attracted,and electrostatically disrupting, one or more negatively chargedmembrane molecules 112 (e.g., one or more hydrophilic heads 114), theone or more hydrophobic functional groups 106 can insert themselvesbetween the hydrophilic heads 114 to enter a hydrophobic region createdby the plurality of hydrophobic tails 116.

As a result of the mechanisms occurring at 118 and/or 120,destabilization of the membrane (e.g., the phospholipid bilayer 110) canoccur at 122. For example, the one or more hydrophobic functional groups106 can serve to cleave one or more negatively charged membranemolecules 112 from adjacent membrane molecules 112, and the positivelycharged ionene unit 100 can move the cleaved membrane segment (e.g.,that can comprise one or more negatively charged membrane molecules 112and/or one or more neutral membrane molecules 112 constituting a layerof the phospholipid bilayer 110) away from adjacent segments of themembrane (e.g., adjacent segments of the phospholipid bilayer 110). Ascleaved segments of the membrane (e.g., the phospholipid bilayer 110)are pulled away, they can fully detach from other membrane molecules 112at 124, thereby forming gaps in the membrane (e.g., the phospholipidbilayer 110). The formed gaps can contribute to lysis of the subjectpathogen cell. In various embodiments, a plurality of ionene units 100can perform the lysis process 108 on a cell simultaneously. Furthermore,the ionene units 100 participating in a lysis process 108 need notperform the same stages of the attack mechanism at the same time.

FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram of an example, non-limiting chemicalformula 200 that can characterize the structure of a repeating ioneneunit 100 in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.Repetitive description of like elements employed in other embodimentsdescribed herein is omitted for sake of brevity. In various embodiments,the repeating ionene units 100 characterized by chemical formula 200 canbe covalently bonded together to form a polymer (e.g., a polyionenecomposition).

As shown in FIG. 2 , a repeating ionene unit 100 characterized bychemical formula 200 can comprise a degradable molecular backbone 102.Further, the degradable molecular backbone 102 can comprise one or moreterephthalamide structures. In various embodiments, the repeating ioneneunit 100 characterized by chemical formula 200 can be derived frompolyethylene terephthalate (PET), wherein the one or moreterephthalamide structures can be derived from the PET. However, one ormore embodiments of chemical formula 200 can comprise a terephthalamidestructure derived from one or more molecules other than PET.

The “X” in FIG. 2 can represent the one or more cations 104. Forexample, “X” can represent one or more cations 104 selected from a groupthat can include, but is not limited to: one or more nitrogen cations,one or more phosphorus cations, and/or a combination thereof. Forinstance, “X” can represent one or more nitrogen cations selected from agroup that can include, but is not limited to: one or more protonatedsecondary amine cations, one or more protonated tertiary amine cations,one or more quaternary ammonium cations, one or more imidazoliumcations, and/or a combination thereof. In another instance, “X” canrepresent one or more phosphorus cations selected from a group that caninclude, but is not limited to: one or more protonated secondaryphosphine cations, one or more protonated tertiary phosphine cations,one or more quaternary phosphonium cations, and/or a combinationthereof.

The one or more cations 104 (e.g., represented by “X” in chemicalformula 200) can be covalently bonded to one or more linkage groups toform, at least a portion, of the degradable molecular backbone 102. Theone or more linkage groups can link the one or more cations 104 to theone or more terephthalamide structures, thereby comprising the molecularbackbone 102. The “Y” in FIG. 2 can represent the one or more linkagegroups. The one or more linkage groups can comprise any structure incompliance with the various features of the molecular backbone 102described herein. For example, the one or more linkage groups can haveany desirable formation, including, but not limited to: chainformations, ring formations, and/or a combination thereof. The one ormore linkage groups can comprise one or more chemical structuresincluding, but not limited to: alkyl structures, aryl structures, alkanestructures, aldehyde structures, ester structures, carboxyl structures,carbonyl structures, a combination thereof, and/or the like. Forinstance, “Y” can represent one or more linkage groups that can comprisean alkyl chain having greater than or equal to two carbon atoms and lessthan or equal to 15 carbon atoms.

As shown in FIG. 2 , in various embodiments, a repeating ionene unit 100characterized by chemical formula 200 can comprise cations 104 (e.g.,represented by “X”) at a plurality of locations along the molecularbackbone 102. For example, cations 104 can be located at either end ofthe molecular backbone 102 (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 2 ). However,in one or more embodiments of chemical formula 200, the molecularbackbone 102 can comprise less or more cations 104 than the twoillustrated in FIG. 2 .

Further, the “R” shown in FIG. 2 can represent the one or morehydrophobic functional groups 106 in accordance with the variousembodiments described herein. For example, the one or more hydrophobicfunctional groups 106 can comprise one or more alkyl groups and/or oneor more aryl groups. For instance, the hydrophobic functional group 106can be derived from a dialkyl halide. The one or more hydrophobicfunctional groups 106 (e.g., represented by “R” in FIG. 2 ) can becovalently bonded to one or more of the cations 104 (e.g., representedby “X” in FIG. 2 ) and/or the molecular backbone 102, which can comprisethe one or more cations 104 (e.g., represented by “X” in FIG. 2 ), oneor more linkage groups (e.g., represented by “Y” in FIG. 2 ), and/or oneor more terephthalamide structures. In addition, the “n” shown in FIG. 2can represent an integer greater than or equal to two and less than orequal to one thousand.

FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting method 300that can facilitate generating one or more repeating ionene units 100that can be characterized by chemical formula 200. Repetitivedescription of like elements employed in other embodiments describedherein is omitted for sake of brevity.

At 302, the method 300 can comprise dissolving a plurality of aminemonomers with one or more electrophiles in a solvent. The plurality ofamine monomers can comprise a degradable backbone. Further, thedegradable backbone can comprise one or more terephthalamide structures.Additionally, the plurality of amine monomers can further comprise astructure selected from a group that can include, but is not limited to:alkyl amine groups, hetero cyclic amine groups, a combination thereof,and/or the like. Moreover, in one or more embodiments the plurality ofdegradable amine monomers can be degradable tetra-amine monomers.

The one or more electrophiles can comprise, for example, one or morealkyl halides (e.g., dialkyl halides). For instance, the one or moreelectrophiles can comprise one or more dialkyl halides having chlorideand/or bromide. Example electrophiles can include, but are not are notlimited to: p-xylylene dichloride, 4,4′-bis(chloromethyl)biphenyl,1,4-bis(bromomethyl)benzene, 4,4′-bis(bromomethyl)biphenyl, acombination thereof, and/or the like. The solvent can be an organicsolvent. Example solvents can include but are not limited to: dimethylformamide (“DMF”), 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (“DBU”),1-(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl)-3-cyclohexyl-2-thiourea (“TU”),and/or a combination thereof, and/or the like.

At 304, the method 300 can comprise polymerizing the plurality of aminemonomers and the one or more electrophiles to form a repeating ioneneunit (e.g., ionene unit 100). The repeating ionene unit (e.g., ioneneunit 100) can comprise a cation 104 (e.g., a nitrogen cation and/or aphosphorus cation) located along the degradable backbone (e.g., amolecular backbone 102). Further, the repeating ionene unit 100 can haveantimicrobial functionality.

During the polymerization at 304, a nitrogen atom and/or a phosphorusatom located in the degradable backbone can be subject to alkylationand/or quaternization; thus, the polymerization at 304 can conduct apolymer-forming reaction (e.g., formation of the repeating ionene unit100) and an installation of charge (e.g., forming a cation 104,including a nitrogen cation and/or a phosphorus cation) simultaneouslywithout a need of a catalyst. Further, one or more hydrophobicfunctional groups 106 can be derived from the one or more electrophilesand/or can be bonded to the one or more cations 104 as a result of thealkylation and/or quaternization process.

The repeating ionene unit formed at 304 can comprise one or moreembodiments of the ionene unit 100 and can be characterized by one ormore embodiments of chemical formula 200. For instance, the repeatingionene unit 100 formed at 304 can comprise a degradable molecularbackbone 102 that can comprise one or more cations 104 (e.g.,represented by “X” in chemical formula 200), one or more linkage groups(e.g., represented by “Y” in chemical formula 200), a terephthalamidestructure (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2 ), and/or one or more hydrophobicfunctional groups 106 (e.g., represented by “R” in chemical formula200). The one or more cations 104 can be nitrogen cations (e.g.,quaternary ammonium cations, imidazolium cations, and/or a combinationthereof) and/or phosphorus cations (e.g., quaternary phosphoniumcations). The cations 104 can be linked to the terephthalamide structurevia one or more linkage groups (e.g., alkyl groups and/or aryl groups).Further, one or more of the cations 104 can be bonded to one or more ofthe hydrophobic functional groups 106. Additionally, the repeatingionene unit 100 formed at 304 can repeat a number of times greater thanor equal to 2 and less than or equal to 1000.

FIG. 4 illustrates another flow diagram of an example, non-limitingmethod 400 that can be practiced in accordance with the one or moreembodiments of method 300 and can generate repeating ionene units 100,which can be characterized by chemical formula 200. Repetitivedescription of like elements employed in other embodiments describedherein is omitted for sake of brevity.

At 402, the method 400 can comprise dissolving a plurality of degradableamine monomers with one or more electrophiles in a solvent. As describedabove regarding method 300, the plurality of degradable amine monomerscan further comprise a structure selected from a group that can include,but is not limited to: alkyl amine groups, hetero cyclic amine groups, acombination thereof, and/or the like. Moreover, in one or moreembodiments the plurality of degradable amine monomers can be degradabletetra-amine monomers.

The one or more electrophiles can comprise, for example, one or morealkyl halides (e.g., dialkyl halides). For instance, the one or moreelectrophiles can comprise one or more dialkyl halides having chlorideand/or bromide. Example electrophiles can include, but are not are notlimited to: p-xylylene dichloride, 4,4′-bis(chloromethyl)biphenyl,1,4-bis(bromomethyl)benzene, 4,4′-bis(bromomethyl)biphenyl, acombination thereof, and/or the like.

The solvent can be an organic solvent. Example solvents can include butare not limited to: DMF, DBU, TU, and/or a combination thereof, and/orthe like. For example, DMF can be used as the solvent as it can dissolvethe reactants at elevated temperatures. In one or more embodiments,equimolar amounts of the plurality of degradable amine monomers and theone or more electrophiles can be dissolved in the solvent.

In one or more embodiments, the plurality of degradable amine monomerscan be prepared through an aminolysis of PET. For example, PET can bedepolymerized with one or more aminolysis reagents. The one or moreaminolysis reagents can be diamines. A first amino group of the diaminescan include, but are not limited to, a primary amino group and asecondary amino group. Also, a second amino group of the diamines caninclude, but are not limited to: a primary amino group, a secondaryamino group, a tertiary amino group, and/or an imidazole group. Forexample, in one or more embodiments the secondary amino group is atertiary amino group and/or an imidazole group.

Scheme 1, presented below, demonstrates three exemplary, non-limingdegradable amine monomers that can be prepared through aminolysis ofPET.

Preparation of the plurality of degradable amine monomers (e.g., inaccordance with Scheme 1) can be performed without the need of acatalyst and/or a solvent. Further, aminolysis of PET can be performedwith an excess of the aminolysis reagents (e.g., four times excess ofthe aminolysis reagents). Moreover, the aminolysis can depolymerize PETat elevated temperatures. Upon cooling, the target degradable aminemonomers can be crystalized from the excess reagent and an alcohol sideproduct (e.g., ethylene glycol). The degradable amine monomers can thenbe filtered, rinsed (e.g., with ethylacetate), and used without need forfurther purification.

While Scheme 1 depicts three example degradable amine monomers derivedfrom PET, other degradable amine monomers that can be derived from PETare also envisaged. For example, PET can be depolymerized withaminolysis reagents other than the three depicted in Scheme 1. Forinstance, any aminolysis reagent having a primary amino group and/or asecondary amino group, which can donate a hydrogen atom to facilitatebonding to the terephthalate structure, and a second amino group and/orimidazole group, which can later become a cation 104, can be polymerizedwith PET to prepare a degradable amine monomer for use at 402. Further,the prepared degradable amine monomers derived from PET, as describedherein, can comprise the plurality of amine monomers that can beutilized in method 300.

Additionally, in one or more embodiments the plurality of degradableamine monomers utilized in conjunction with the methods described herein(e.g., method 300 and/or method 400) can be derived from a moleculeother than PET. One of ordinary skill in the art can readily recognizethat a plethora of other starting molecules can be polymerized and/ordepolymerized to prepare the plurality of amine monomers (e.g., whichcan have degradable backbones, can comprise a terephthalamide structure,and/or can be a tetra-amine) that can be utilized in conjunction withthe methods described herein (e.g., method 300 and/or method 400).

At 404, the method 400 can optionally comprise stirring the plurality ofdegradable amine monomers, the one or more electrophiles, and thesolvent at a temperature greater than or equal to 15 degrees Celsius (°C.) and less than or equal to 150° C. for a period of time greater thanor equal to 8 hours and less than or equal to 72 hours (e.g., greaterthan or equal to 12 hours and less than or equal to 24 hours).

At 406, the method 400 can comprise polymerizing the plurality ofdegradable amine monomers and the electrophile to form a precipitate(e.g., a polyionene composition). The precipitate (e.g., a polyionenecomposition) can comprise a repeating ionene unit 100 (e.g.,characterized by chemical formula 200) that can comprise a cation 104distributed along a degradable molecular backbone 102. The molecularbackbone 102 can comprise a terephthalamide structure (e.g., asillustrated in chemical formula 200). Further, the repeating ionene unit100 formed at 406 can have antimicrobial functionality. In one or moreembodiments, the polymerizing at 406 can be performed under nitrogengas. Additionally, the polymerizing at 406 can generate the cationthrough alkylation and/or quaternation with the one or moreelectrophiles. In various embodiments, the terephthalamide structurecomprising the precipitate can be derived from the PET that wasdepolymerized to prepare a plurality of degradable amine monomers.

During the polymerization at 406, a nitrogen atom and/or a phosphorusatom located in the degradable amine monomers can be subject toalkylation and/or quaternization; thus, the polymerization at 406 canconduct a polymer-forming reaction (e.g., formation of the repeatingionene unit 100) and an installation of charge (e.g., forming a cation104, including a nitrogen cation and/or a phosphorus cation)simultaneously without a need of a catalyst. Further, one or morehydrophobic functional groups 106 can be derived from the one or moreelectrophiles and/or can be bonded to the one or more cations 104 as aresult of the alkylation and/or quaternization process.

For example, the repeating ionene formed at 406 can comprise one or moreembodiments of the ionene unit 100 and can be characterized by one ormore embodiments of chemical formula 200. For instance, the repeatingionene unit 100 formed at 406 can comprise a degradable molecularbackbone 102 that can comprise one or more cations 104 (e.g.,represented by “X” in chemical formula 200), one or more linkage groups(e.g., represented by “Y” in chemical formula 200), a terephthalamidestructure (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2 ), and/or one or more hydrophobicfunctional groups 106 (e.g., represented by “R” in chemical formula200). The one or more cations 104 can be nitrogen cations (e.g.,quaternary ammonium cations, imidazolium cations, and/or a combinationthereof) and/or phosphorus cations (e.g., quaternary phosphoniumcations). The cations 104 can be linked to the terephthalamide structurevia one or more linkage groups (e.g., alkyl groups and/or aryl groups).Further, one or more of the cations 104 can be bonded to one or more ofthe hydrophobic functional groups 106. Additionally, the repeatingionene unit 100 formed at 406 can repeat a number of times greater thanor equal to 2 and less than or equal to 1000.

Antimicrobial activity of the repeating ionene units 100 generated bythe methods described herein (e.g., method 300 and/or method 400) can beindependent of molecular weight. Thus, the methods (e.g., method 300and/or method 400) can target polymerization conditions that canextinguish molecular weight attainment by diffusion limited mechanism(e.g., polymer precipitation) to modest molecular weights (e.g.,molecular weights less than 10,000 grams per mole (g/mol)), which canaid in the solubility of the repeating ionene units 100 in aqueousmedia.

FIG. 5 illustrates a diagram of an example, non-limiting scheme 500 thatcan depict the polymerization of one or more repeating ionene units 100(e.g., characterized by chemical formula 200) in accordance with one ormore of the methods (e.g., method 300 and/or method 400) describedherein. Repetitive description of like elements employed in otherembodiments described herein is omitted for sake of brevity. Forexample, scheme 500 can depict a first polymerization that can form afirst polyionene composition 502 (e.g., a repeating ionene unit 100 thatcan be characterized by chemical formula 200 and/or generated by method300 and/or method 400). Scheme 500 can also depict a secondpolymerization that can form a second polyionene composition 504 (e.g.,a repeating ionene unit 100 that can be characterized by chemicalformula 200 and/or generated by method 300 and/or method 400). In scheme500, “n” can represent an integer greater than or equal to two and lessthan or equal to one thousand. Additionally, the first monomer reactant501 utilized in the first polymerization and the second polymerizationcan be a degradable tetra-amine monomer comprising a terephthalamidestructure that can be derived from PET in accordance with the variousembodiments described herein (e.g., Scheme 1). In one or more otherembodiments, the amine monomer reactant 501 can be derived from amolecular other than PET.

The first polymerization can form the first polyionene composition 502by polymerizing the first monomer reactant 501 (e.g., derived fromaminolysis of PET) with p-xylylene dichloride. The first polymerizationcan simultaneously form the structure of the first polyionenecomposition 502 and positively charge the first polyionene composition502 (e.g., by generating the plurality of quaternary ammonium cations)through quaternization of the first monomer reactant's 501 tertiaryamino groups distributed along the first monomer reactant's 501degradable backbone (e.g., molecular backbone 102).

The second polymerization can form the second polyionene composition 504by polymerizing the first monomer reactant 501 (e.g., derived fromaminolysis of PET) with 4,4′-bis(chloromethyl)-1,1′-biphenyl. The secondpolymerization can simultaneously form the structure of the secondpolyionene composition 504 and positively charge the second polyionenecomposition 504 (e.g., by generating the plurality of quaternaryammonium cations) through quaternization of the first monomer reactant's501 tertiary amino groups distributed along the first monomer reactant's501 degradable backbone (e.g., molecular backbone 102).

FIG. 6 illustrates another diagram of an example, non-limiting scheme600 that can depict the polymerization of one or more repeating ioneneunits 100 (e.g., characterized by chemical formula 200) in accordancewith one or more of the methods (e.g., method 300 and/or method 400)described herein. Repetitive description of like elements employed inother embodiments described herein is omitted for sake of brevity. Forexample, scheme 600 can depict a third polymerization that can form athird polyionene composition 602 (e.g., a repeating ionene unit 100 thatcan be characterized by chemical formula 200 and/or generated by method300 and/or method 400). Scheme 600 can also depict a fourthpolymerization that can form a fourth polyionene composition 604 (e.g.,a repeating ionene unit 100 that can be characterized by chemicalformula 200 and/or generated by method 300 and/or method 400). In scheme600, “n” can represent an integer greater than or equal to two and lessthan or equal to one thousand. Additionally, the second monomer reactant601 utilized in the third polymerization and the fourth polymerizationcan be a degradable tetra-amine monomer comprising a terephthalamidestructure that can be derived from PET in accordance with the variousembodiments described herein (e.g., Scheme 1).

The third polymerization can form the third polyionene composition 602by polymerizing the second monomer reactant 601 (e.g., derived fromaminolysis of PET) with p-xylylene dichloride. The third polymerizationcan simultaneously form the structure of the third polyionenecomposition 602 and positively charge the third polyionene composition602 (e.g., by generating the plurality of quaternary ammonium cations)through quaternization of the second monomer reactant's 601 tertiaryamino groups distributed along the second monomer reactant's 601degradable backbone (e.g., molecular backbone 102).

The fourth polymerization can form the fourth polyionene composition 604by polymerizing the second monomer reactant 601 (e.g., derived fromaminolysis of PET) with 4,4′-bis(chloromethyl)-1,1′-biphenyl. The fourthpolymerization can simultaneously form the structure of the fourthpolyionene composition 604 and positively charge the fourth polyionenecomposition 604 (e.g., by generating the plurality of quaternaryammonium cations) through quaternization of the second monomerreactant's 601 tertiary amino groups distributed along the secondmonomer reactant's 601 degradable backbone (e.g., molecular backbone102).

FIG. 7 illustrates another diagram of an example, non-limiting scheme700 that can depict the polymerization of one or more repeating ioneneunits 100 (e.g., characterized by chemical formula 200) in accordancewith one or more of the methods (e.g., method 300 and/or method 400)described herein. Repetitive description of like elements employed inother embodiments described herein is omitted for sake of brevity. Forexample, scheme 700 can depict a fifth polymerization that can form afifth polyionene composition 702 (e.g., a repeating ionene unit 100 thatcan be characterized by chemical formula 200 and/or generated by method300 and/or method 400). Scheme 700 can also depict a sixthpolymerization that can form a sixth polyionene composition 704 (e.g., arepeating ionene unit 100 that can be characterized by chemical formula200 and/or generated by method 300 and/or method 400). In scheme 700,“n” can represent an integer greater than or equal to two and less thanor equal to one thousand. Additionally, the third monomer reactant 701utilized in the third polymerization and the fourth polymerization canbe a degradable tetra-amine monomer comprising a terephthalamidestructure that can be derived from PET in accordance with the variousembodiments described herein (e.g., Scheme 1).

The fifth polymerization can form the fifth polyionene composition 702by polymerizing the third monomer reactant 701 (e.g., derived fromaminolysis of PET) with p-xylylene dichloride. The fifth polymerizationcan simultaneously form the structure of the fifth polyionenecomposition 702 and positively charge the fifth polyionene composition702 (e.g., by generating the plurality of imidazolium cations) throughalkylation of the third monomer reactant's 701 imidazole ringsdistributed along the third monomer reactant's 701 degradable backbone(e.g., molecular backbone 102).

The sixth polymerization can form the sixth polyionene composition 704by polymerizing the third monomer reactant 701 (e.g., derived fromaminolysis of PET) with 4,4′-bis(chloromethyl)-1,1′-biphenyl. The sixthpolymerization can simultaneously form the structure of the sixthpolyionene composition 704 and positively charge the sixth polyionenecomposition 704 (e.g., by generating the plurality of imidazoliumcations) through alkylation of the third monomer reactant's 701imidazole rings distributed along the third monomer reactant's 701degradable backbone (e.g., molecular backbone 102).

FIG. 8 illustrates a diagram of an example, non-limiting chart 800 thatcan depict the antimicrobial efficacy of one or more polyionenecompositions in accordance with one or more embodiments describedherein. Repetitive description of like elements employed in otherembodiments described herein is omitted for sake of brevity. Todemonstrate the antimicrobial effects of the polyionenes describedherein (e.g., repeating ionene units 100 that can be characterized bychemical formula 200 and/or generated by method 300 and/or method 400,such as those depicted in scheme 500, scheme 600, and/or scheme 700), aplurality of polyionene compositions were evaluated against a broadspectrum of pathogens.

The first column 802 of chart 800 can depict the polyionene compositionsubject to evaluation. The second column 804 of chart 800 can depict theminimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) in micrograms per milliliter(μg/mL) of the subject polyionene composition regarding Staphylococcusaureus (“SA”). The third column 806 of chart 800 can depict the MIC inμg/mL of the subject polyionene composition regarding Escherichia coli(“EC”). The fourth column 808 of chart 800 can depict the MIC in μg/mLof the subject polyionene composition regarding Pseudomonas aeruginosa(“PA”). The fifth column 810 of chart 800 can depict the MIC in μg/mL ofthe subject polyionene composition regarding Candida albicans (“CA”).The sixth column 812 of chart 800 can depict the hemolytic activity(“HC₅₀”) in μg/mL of the subject polyionene composition regarding ratred blood cells.

As shown in chart 800, the first polyionene composition 502 and thesecond polyionene composition 504 can have strong antimicrobial activitywith the former being more potent (e.g., having lower MIC). The secondpolyionene composition 504 can be relatively more hydrophobic than thefirst polyionene composition 502, and thus it may interact with one ormore proteins in the culture medium used to evaluate the polyionenecompositions. Both the first polyionene composition 502 and the secondpolyionene composition 504 can cause negligible hemolysis of rat redblood cells at the effective concentrations with the polymerconcentration that leads to lysis of 50% of rat red blood cells (HC₅₀)above 2000 μg/mL. Compared to the first polyionene composition 502 andthe second polyionene composition 504, the use of imidazolium in thefifth polyionene composition 702 and the sixth polyionene composition704 can offer similar antimicrobial potency (e.g., similar MIC ranges).However, the fifth polyionene composition 702 and the sixth polyionenecomposition 704 can cause higher toxicity to mammalian cells (e.g.,reflected by lower HC₅₀ values).

FIG. 9 illustrates a diagram of an example, non-limiting graph 900 thatcan depict the hemolytic activity of various polyionene compositions atvarious concentrations in accordance with the one or more embodimentsdescribed herein. Repetitive description of like elements employed inother embodiments described herein is omitted for sake of brevity. Forexample, FIG. 9 shows the hemolytic activity of the first polyionenecomposition 502, the second polyionene composition 504, the fifthpolyionene composition 702, and/or the sixth polyionene composition 704at concentrations ranging from 8 parts per million (ppm) to 2000 ppm.The hemolytic activity depicted in graph 900 can regard rat red bloodcells.

FIG. 10 illustrates another flow diagram of an example, non-limitingmethod 1000 of killing a pathogen, preventing the growth of a pathogen,and/or preventing contamination by a pathogen. Repetitive description oflike elements employed in other embodiments described herein is omittedfor sake of brevity. Example pathogens include, but are not limited to:Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria, fungi, yeast, acombination thereof, and/or the like.

At 1002, the method 1000 can comprise contacting the pathogen with apolymer. The polymer can comprise a repeating ionene unit 100 (e.g.,characterized by chemical formula 200). The repeating ionene unit 100can comprise a cation 104 (e.g., a nitrogen cation and/or a phosphoruscation) distributed along a degradable backbone (e.g., a molecularbackbone 102) that can comprise one or more terephthalamide structures(e.g., derived from an aminolysis of PET). The repeating ionene unit 100can have antimicrobial functionality.

At 1004, the method 1000 can comprise electrostatically disrupting amembrane of the pathogen (e.g., via lysis process 108) upon contactingthe pathogen with the polymer (e.g., a repeating ionene unit 100characterized by chemical formula 200). Additionally, contacting thepathogen with the polymer (e.g., a repeating ionene unit 100characterized by chemical formula 200) can disrupt the membrane throughhydrophobic membrane integration (e.g., via lysis process 108).

The repeating ionene unit that can comprise the polymer contacting thepathogen at 1002 can comprise one or more embodiments of the ionene unit100 and can be characterized by one or more embodiments of chemicalformula 200. For instance, the repeating ionene unit 100 can comprise adegradable molecular backbone 102 that can comprise one or more cations104 (e.g., represented by “X” in chemical formula 200), one or morelinkage groups (e.g., represented by “Y” in chemical formula 200), aterephthalamide structure (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2 ), and/or one ormore hydrophobic functional groups 106 (e.g., represented by “R” inchemical formula 200). The one or more cations 104 can be nitrogencations (e.g., quaternary ammonium cations, imidazolium cations, and/ora combination thereof) and/or phosphorus cations (e.g., quaternaryphosphonium cations). The cations 104 can be linked to theterephthalamide structure via one or more linkage groups (e.g., alkylgroups and/or aryl groups). Further, one or more of the cations 104 canbe bonded to one or more of the hydrophobic functional groups 106.Additionally, the repeating ionene unit 100 can repeat a number of timesgreater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to 1000. Therefore,the repeating ionene unit 100 contacting the pathogen at 1002 cancomprise any and all the features of various embodiments describedherein.

The various structures (e.g., described regarding FIGS. 1-2 ),compositions (e.g., described regarding FIGS. 5-9 ), and/or methods(e.g., described regarding FIGS. 3-4 and 10 ) described herein can beincorporated into a variety of applications. For example, saidapplications can include cleaning, sanitizing, disinfecting, and/orotherwise treating various articles such as, but not limited to: foodpackaging, medical devices, floor surfaces, furniture surfaces, woundcare instruments (e.g., bandages and/or gauss), building surfaces,plants (e.g., agricultural crops), ground surfaces, farming equipment,beds, sheets, clothes, blankets, shoes, doors, door frames, walls,ceilings, mattresses, light fixtures, facets, switches, sinks, grabrails, remote controls, vanities, computer equipment, carts, trolleys,hampers, bins, a combination thereof, and/or the like. In anotherexample, said applications can include pharmaceuticals, pharmaceuticalsalts, hygiene products (e.g., soaps and/or shampoos), and/or the like.In a further example, said applications can include agricultural spraysand/or aqueous solutions that can facilitate processing crops forconsumption.

In addition, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” ratherthan an exclusive “or.” That is, unless specified otherwise, or clearfrom context, “X employs A or B” is intended to mean any of the naturalinclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or Xemploys both A and B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any ofthe foregoing instances. Moreover, articles “a” and “an” as used in thesubject specification and annexed drawings should generally be construedto mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from contextto be directed to a singular form. As used herein, the terms “example”and/or “exemplary” are utilized to mean serving as an example, instance,or illustration. For the avoidance of doubt, the subject matterdisclosed herein is not limited by such examples. In addition, anyaspect or design described herein as an “example” and/or “exemplary” isnot necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over otheraspects or designs, nor is it meant to preclude equivalent exemplarystructures and techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

What has been described above include mere examples of systems,compositions, and methods. It is, of course, not possible to describeevery conceivable combination of reagents, products, solvents, and/orarticles for purposes of describing this disclosure, but one of ordinaryskill in the art can recognize that many further combinations andpermutations of this disclosure are possible. Furthermore, to the extentthat the terms “includes,” “has,” “possesses,” and the like are used inthe detailed description, claims, appendices and drawings such terms areintended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as“comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in aclaim. The descriptions of the various embodiments have been presentedfor purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variationswill be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departingfrom the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminologyused herein was chosen to best explain the principles of theembodiments, the practical application or technical improvement overtechnologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinaryskill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for forming a polymer, comprising:dissolving a plurality of tetra-amine monomers with an electrophile in asolvent, the plurality of tetra-amine monomers comprising a degradablebackbone, and the degradable backbone comprising a terephthalamidestructure; and polymerizing the plurality of tetra-amine monomers andthe electrophile to form a polymer comprising a repeating ionene unit,the repeating ionene unit comprising a cation located along thedegradable backbone, wherein the repeating ionene unit has antimicrobialfunctionality.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the polymerizingcovalently bonds the plurality of tetra-amine monomers together.
 3. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the polymerizing comprises a process togenerate the cation selected from a group consisting of alkylation andquaternization.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: stirringthe plurality of tetra-amine monomers, the electrophile, and the solventat a temperature greater than or equal to 15 degrees Celsius (° C.) andless than or equal to 150° C. for a defined period of time greater thanor equal to 12 hours and less than or equal to 24 hours.
 5. The methodof claim 1, wherein the cation is a nitrogen cation selected from thegroup consisting of a protonated secondary amine cation, a protonatedtertiary amine cation, a quaternary ammonium cation and an imidazoliumcation.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the repeating ionene unit hasa structure characterized by the following formula:

wherein X is the cation, wherein R is a hydrophobic functional group,wherein n is an integer greater than or equal to two and less than orequal to one thousand, and wherein Y is a functional group selected fromthe group consisting of an ester group and a carbonyl group.
 7. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the repeating ionene unit has a structurecharacterized by a formula selected from the group consisting of:

wherein n is an integer greater than or equal to two and less than orequal to one thousand.
 8. A method for forming a precipitate,comprising: dissolving a plurality of degradable tetra-amine monomerswith an electrophile in a solvent; and polymerizing the plurality ofdegradable tetra-amine monomers and the electrophile to form theprecipitate, the precipitate comprising a repeating ionene unit, therepeating ionene unit comprising a cation distributed along a degradablemolecular backbone, and the degradable molecular backbone comprising aterephthalamide structure, wherein the repeating ionene unit hasantimicrobial functionality.
 9. The method of claim 8, furthercomprising: preparing the plurality of degradable tetra-amine monomersthrough an aminolysis of polyethylene terephthalate, wherein theterephthalamide structure is derived from the polyethyleneterephthalate.
 10. The method of claim 8, wherein the polymerizingcomprises a process to generate the cation selected from a groupconsisting of alkylation and quaternization.
 11. The method of claim 8,further comprising: stirring the plurality of degradable tetra-aminemonomers, the electrophile, and the solvent at a temperature greaterthan or equal to 15 degrees Celsius (° C.) and less than or equal to150° C. for a defined period of time greater than or equal to 12 hoursand less than or equal to 24 hours.
 12. The method of claim 8, whereinthe cation is a nitrogen cation selected from the group consisting of aprotonated secondary amine cation, a protonated tertiary amine cation, aquaternary ammonium cation and an imidazolium cation.
 13. The method ofclaim 8, wherein the repeating ionene unit has a structure characterizedby the following formula:

wherein X is the cation, wherein R is a hydrophobic functional group,wherein n is an integer greater than or equal to two and less than orequal to one thousand, and wherein Y is a functional group selected fromthe group consisting of an ester group and a carbonyl group.
 14. Themethod of claim 8, wherein the repeating ionene unit has a structurecharacterized by a formula selected from the group consisting of:

wherein n is an integer greater than or equal to two and less than orequal to one thousand.
 15. A method for forming a polymer, comprising:dissolving a plurality of amine monomers with an electrophile in asolvent, the plurality of amine monomers comprising a degradablebackbone; and polymerizing the plurality of amine monomers and theelectrophile to form a polymer comprising a repeating ionene unit, therepeating ionene unit comprising a cation located along the degradablebackbone, and wherein the repeating ionene unit has a structurecharacterized by a formula selected from the group consisting of:

wherein n is an integer greater than or equal to two and less than orequal to one thousand.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the repeatingionene unit has antimicrobial functionality.
 17. The method of claim 15,wherein the polymerizing comprises a process to generate the cationselected from a group consisting of alkylation and quaternization. 18.The method of claim 15, further comprising: stirring the plurality ofamine monomers, the electrophile, and the solvent at a temperaturegreater than or equal to 15 degrees Celsius (° C.) and less than orequal to 150° C. for a defined period of time greater than or equal to12 hours and less than or equal to 24 hours.